Cameron denies snubbing Hollande as Whitehall looks to build bridges

 

Nigel Morris Author Biography

Nigel Morris

Nigel Morris is Deputy Political Editor at The Independent.

More articles from this journalist

Tuesday 24 April 2012

David Cameron is yet to meet François Hollande, the front-runner to become French President, Downing Street has confirmed.

The Prime Minister has made little secret of his support for the conservative incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy, who looks likely to be defeated in the run-off with Mr Hollande on 6 May. The Socialist presidential candidate met Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, when he visited London last month, but Mr Cameron refused to meet him.

By contrast, Mr Cameron praised Mr Sarkozy's "leadership and courage" during a visit to Paris in February and wished him well in his re-election bid.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the recent decision not to meet him was not a snub.

The Foreign Office is now attempting to forge links with Mr Hollande's team.

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